1915 1996

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN SURVEY CORPS ASSOCIATION (WESTERN AUSTRALIA) INC.

Issue No. 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010

COMMITTEE 2010 – 2011

President: MAJ Fred BROWN RFD. Vice President: Mike VENN. Secretary/Treasurer/Westlink Editor: Brian MEAD. Committee Members: Brian FIRNS, Kim JOHNSTONE. Clive CRADDON, Cliff WEBB.

Unit Plaque - 5 Fd Svy Sqn (1990)

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Our Front Cover ……………...... ……………...... … Page 3

2. Correspondence ……………...... ……………...... … Page 3

3. To The Editor ...... ………………..…………..…… Page 4

4. From The President ...... …….....… Page 5

5. Toodyay Bushfires ...... ……...... …...... Page/s 6-9

6. TRIYONO ...... Page/s 10-16

7. Local Personalities …………………………………….. Page/s 17-23

Cliff and Dianne Webb ...... Page/s 17-18

Garry and Zoe Ames ...... Page/s 18-19

Brian Mead ...... Page/s 20-21

Fred Brown ...... Pages 22/23

8. Commemorative Plaque PNG ...... Page/s 24-27

9. Balcombe Unit Memorials …..…..…….…...... Page/s 28-33

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 3

OUR FRONT COVER

An Image of the 5 Fd Svy Sqn Unit Plaque – circa 1990. The layout was designed by Unit Members and produced by Unit Plaques & Trophies, Bribie Island, Queensland . Plaques were presented by the OC and Members on the occasion of the Unit Disbandment, 28 th February 1990.

CORRESPONDENCE

General

Postal correspondence: 8 Barridale Drive, Kingsley. WA 6026

Email correspondence: Office Bearers for all kindred RA Svy Corps Associations may be accessed via the (home page): www.rasurvey.org .

Copies of Westlink are provided - in both digital (*.pdf) form and as a hard copy printout, for those Members without internet access. At the time of publication, each Issue of Westlink is uploaded to www.rasurvey.org .

In line with Commonwealth Government “Individual Privacy” Legislation, the current membership details are available from the WA Association Secretary (H) 08 9409 8292. Email: [email protected] .

WEBSITE: EX- FORTUNA SURVEY ASSOCIATION

Web Address : www.exfortunasvy.org.au

st Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21 December 2010 Page - 4

TO THE EDITOR.

Dear Annette and Brian.

It is with great pleasure that I received my copy of Westlink. The Dinner or should I say Luncheon was very much enjoyed.

I have just rung Betty Cherry. She’s fairly well but is having trouble with her legs and feet – so she told me.

Thankyou again, - for your care.

Nannette Clutterbuck. th 6 August 2010.

From Jo Mazzarol: “Purple Berets on Anzac Day ???”

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 5

FROM THE PRESIDENT

To fellow members of our Association and their families.

With the passing of another year and into a new decade, for the first time in several years, our membership numbers are the same as they were on the 1 st of January; a strong positive note for our ageing membership. Let’s keep it up.

Firstly, ensure that you read Warren Hall’s article about his experience during the bushfires in the Toodyay area of WA in December 2009. For Warren, watching the eucalypt trees at the bottom of his block explode into flames and the fire progressing up towards his home and shed, his thoughts about his decision to stay or leave, and then his normal escape route and second option being blocked by the fire and smoke, must have been a truly harrowing experience. Thank you to those members who contacted Warren to provide moral support for him during his ordeal.

Chris Dixon’s story of his meeting and working with Indonesian Top Sergeant Triyono and returning to visit him some 36 years later is most interesting. I remember well, having spent a couple of days with Top Sgt Triyono, whilst we drove together from Medan up to Banda Ace on the northern tip of Sumatra. We had an amusing time, conversing and telling stories in broken English and Bahasa Indonesian. Thanks Chris, for taking the time to bring back memories of Triyono and the Gading Operations.

Recently, I feel that our Vice President Mike Venn has moved in with me. I hear the tones of his most distinctive voice almost hourly. Living by myself, I almost exclusively listen to the ABC Local Radio 6WF, and as locals may be aware, Mike does media releases for WA’s Fire and Emergency Services. With the number of bushfires that have been occurring around Perth, there is a constant need for Mike to bring us up-to-date with developments. Well done Michael!!

Finally, I suspect that I am in my final Army Reserve posting; which is serving as a Liaison Officer with the Australian Army Cadets (AAC). My job is to advise Unit CO’s, ensure that activities comply with many aspects of civilian and military legal requirements and to attend their training activities. The AAC is a terrific youth development organisation which provides the ADF with a large number of recruits, in particular the Australian Defence Force Academy. Former cadets have a much greater retention rate than others, once in the Regular Army.

To all members and families of our Association, I wish you all the best for this Festive Season. May you have a most pleasurable and relaxing time with your families and those close to you. To those of us travelling, travel safely and drive carefully. Also, please spare a thought for the members of the ADF who are serving overseas in several locations where they will not have the comforts, surroundings and loved ones nearby as we have.

Best Wishes,

Fred Brown

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 6

TOODYAY BUSHFIRE

SUMMARY OF MEDIA COVERAGE

On Tuesday 29 th December 2009, the “Toodyay Bushfire” destroyed 38 homes, damaged an estimated 137 properties and left 3 people in Hospital, when it tore through the small town of Toodyay – 85 km north of Perth. The fire, which burned 3000ha of land, has been described as the worst bushfire disaster for 50 years, in the State of Western Australia.

On the following day, after touring the fire devastation, the WA Premier, Mr Colin Barnett declared the area a natural disaster and promised $3000 grants to families for accommodation and clothing. Sadly some of the destroyed homes were uninsured whilst others were under insured.

There were no fatalities as a result of the fire. This was mainly due to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) policy, of encouraging people to leave their properties early. A few days later, once FESA had accounted for all of the local residents, the feeding of cattle, sheep and other livestock (stranded in the off-limits fire zone) took place.

Warren Hall, a former RA Svy Corps Member and 10 year resident of Toodyay, experienced first hand the trauma of a raging bushfire. Warren an active FESA Volunteer Firefighter with the local “Julimar Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade” was unable to protect his own property, especially with little advance warning of the path of the fire. He has provided an account of his memories of the bushfire for this Issue of Westlink.

During 2010, the cause for the fire has been the subject of two EnergySafety reports. The report handed down by EnergySafety on February 15 did not determine a cause for the fire, while a second report released on August 13 concluded the fire started from a Western Power pole after new evidence was examined.

The State Government and Western Power have developed a financial assistance package of up to $10 million for residents directly affected by the 2009 Toodyay bushfire. The State Government has accepted the finding of the second report but Western Power has not accepted liability. The issue of liability can only be resolved in a Court of law. st Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21 December 2010 Page - 7

The Government and Western Power will each contribute $5 million as an ex-gratia goodwill payment. Residents who accept payments from the assistance package will not need to waive their rights to future litigation against Western Power.

FESA Firefighters inspect the fire damage at the Toodyay fire in WA

Toodyay Fire Damage Images published – Courtesy of Mr Allen Newton. Editor PerthNow. Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 8

Warren Hall’s account:

On the day of the fire, I was drinking at my friend’s home which is located about 3 km from my place. He lives on the outskirts of Town – 8km from Toodyay. My friend had a broken foot and was on crutches. I saw smoke and decided to see if my property was in danger. When I arrived, the fire was at the bottom of my 11 acre block.

With a garden hose, I started to wet down the dried wild oats around my shed – that is sited, together with my partly renovated house in an elevated area. After about 10 minutes the trees on the lower part of my block exploded and I was hit by a very dry radiant heat flash. I then decided it was time to leave as anymore heat like this might burn me or use up the oxygen in the air. If this happened I would not be able to breathe and my car might not be able to start.

As the fire was at the front of my block, I was unable to depart that way. My block backs onto a National Park. There are two ways out of the National Park. I was turned back by fire and smoke one way, so I went the other way – which is pretty rough going. As I have a 4WD vehicle, I was able to escape. I returned to my friend’s home (the one with the broken foot) but he was not there.

I started to look for him as I thought that he might be “crutching” his way out. His son contacted me by mobile phone to tell me that he had picked him up. Later we all met up at my house in Toodyay Township. We weren’t allowed back to the fire ground for four days.

On the next day, I was called to the “Julimar Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade” to help in the area mop up. I then saw first hand, the devastation, caused by the fire to the Toodyay district.

Warren on duty, with the Julimar Fire Brigade.

During the last 12 months, I have received financial support from the RSL, The Salvation Army, Centrelink and the Shire of Toodyay. I am very grateful for their assistance in helping me recover from my losses.

Via the WA RA Svy Corps Association, I have also received messages of moral support from Jim Jefferies, Mike Venn, Alex Cook, Lance Barrell and Brian Mead.

Fire damaged window frames adjacent to my partly renovated house. Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 9

Fire Damaged Water Tank. New Replacement Water Tank

On a personal note, I had lost a water supply tank and all my building supplies that were stored around my house. The house structure was undamaged. The fire did not reach my friend’s house.

Regenerating bush on my property – 12 months on. Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 10

TRIYONO

by Chris Dixon.

Mates.

Like many people of the 70’s and 80’s I have a large container just about full of little yellow plastic boxes, each holding either 24 or 36 / 35mm colour transparencies. There are Heaps of them, covering many Survey Corps Field Operations. Recently Joe Mazzarol scanned some for me and, inspired by the results, I went out and bought myself a scanner capable of scanning slides.

This image was taken in a village in central Sumatra at the end of May 1974. I’m disappointed to have to admit that I have forgotten the name of the village but I can remember exactly how to get there.

Top Sgt Triyono pictured with Spr Brian “Wild Bill” Cosford, at Village Market. Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 11

Just follow the steep foot track down from the top of P62 GEOCEIVER Station through the rubber plantation. About halfway down the plantation changes into steamy forest where high in the treetops are the monkeys that call so beautifully at dawn.

After about a kilometre you will get to the bottom where there is a wide river and a raft attached by a cable to the far bank. Jump on the semisubmersible raft and pole yourself over to the other side, then walk a few hundred metres along a path through cleared land and you will get to the village.

Manoeuvering a semi -submersible raft with pole

After playing the tourist for a while you have to go back. And of course going back is all uphill and sweaty with frequent pauses to catch your breath. Eventually you get to the top and flop and spend some time breathing deeply and marvel at the village kids who, when the resupply chopper comes in, can be at the top of the hill before it leaves. Just amazing.

But the reason for this little reminiscence is not to be just a rehash of the access notes for P62. The first photograph shows two soldiers. Almost everyone who was in the Corps in the 70’s and 80’s will recognise Brian “Wild Bill” Cosford. A friend then and still a (long distance) friend today, Wild Bill and I were in 5 Field for a time and did several major field trips together. Almost everyone who was involved in any of the Gading Operations will recognise the other, Top Sgt (and top bloke) Triyono, of Jantop.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 12

Top Sgt Triyono and Spr Mike Venn enjoying fresh coconut milk.

Absent from the photo because he was still chasing satellites at the top of the hill while we were swanning around at the bottom was Mike Venn. Most of my time in Sumatra in 1974 was spent in a tent in the forest in the company of Triyono and Mike.

It was a very pleasant time. Mike has been a friend ever since but thirty five years were to pass before I was able to renew Triyono’s friendship in Bandung over the course of a long weekend last year.

Top Sgt Triyono - bartering on a fair price for fresh corn cobs. Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 13

A year or so ago I received a letter from Triyono. He and I corresponded for some years after Gading IV and he sent the letter to the address that he still had from those days. By a happy coincidence Linda and I are still living in the same house that we had built in 1976 so the letter lobbed in our letterbox.

It was too good an opportunity to miss so last year I flew from Perth to Jakarta, boarded a small bus and travelled to Bandung. The bus took 3 hours, dropped me at the front door of my hotel and once I was settled in I rang Triyono’s house. His wife Sudarmi answered the phone and quickly passed me over to their daughter Rini, who spoke very good English. She told me that her father was out at the moment but would come and meet me at my hotel shortly. In a little while Triyono appeared looking exactly as I expected him to look, older of course and with pepper and salt hair (but plenty of it) and still with that same easy smile and relaxed manner, and instantly recognisable.

Triyono and his wife Sudarmi now live in contented retirement, having served 37 years in the Indonesian Army. Their three children are married and between them have so far produced four children, the absolute apples of their grandparents’ eyes. Triyono’s (and Sudarmi’s) last posting was as OC of Jantop in Bandung, and he is now Colonel Triyono (Ret).

Triyono with two of his grandchildren. Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 14

Sudarmi, Triyono with one of their grandchildren.

Over the course of the next few days he showed me his Bandung, took me to his home for dinner and to meet his family and took me out to the bubbling volcano just a few km out of the city. His son Pram was our driver and had to listen to the endless recollections of two old Orang Hutan reminiscing of life in the forest nearly 40 years ago, whilst he skilfully negotiated the difficult traffic conditions.

Bandung is now a city of more than 4 million people and the traffic is just as congested as it is in any major SE Asian city. Those few days flew by and all too soon it was time for me to head back to Jakarta for my flight home. I went by train this time and the last sight I had of Triyono was as he walked back along the platform after taking me to my seat.

We may yet meet again. Linda and I haven’t been to Borobudur yet.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 15

Triyono and Chris Dixon pictured at “Tangkuban Perahu” near Bandung.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 16

Because many ex-Corps personnel will remember him, I will here summarise what I know of his career.

Triyono’s career .

As a young man he lived with his parents in Yogyakarta. In 1966 a friend said that

he was going to travel to Bandung to join the Army and asked Triyono if he would like to come along. Triyono said OK. He was accepted. His mate wasn’t.

1966 Joined the Army.

1967 Transferred to Jantop. 1968 Topographic Course. 1970 Operation Mandau with English and Australian personnel in West Kalimantan. When he was told that he would be going on this operation he went and bought a “Teach

Yourself English” tape and taught himself to speak English. (Later we taught him Strine). 1971 Operation Gading I in South Sumatra. 1972 Operation Gading II, Riau. 1973 Operation Gading III, Jambi.

1974 Operation Gading IV, Medan. 1975 Operation Gading V, Padang. 1976 Operation Cenderawasih, Papua. 1977 Triyono was asked to apply for the Officer Training Course. There were 47 applicants. He was the only one accepted. 1979 Joint border survey, Sarawak, Malaysia. 1980 Operation Pattimura, Maluku 1981 Joint border survey, Sarawak, Malaysia. 1982 Operation Nusa Barat, Padang 1983 Study in USA. 1984 Joint border survey, Sarawak, Malaysia. 1985 Joint border survey, Sarawak, Malaysia. 1986 Joint border survey, Sarawak, Malaysia. 1987 Joint border survey, Sarawak, Malaysia. 1988 Advanced Officers Course. 1989 Posted to Makassar 1996 Posted to Jakarta. 1998 Posted to Medan. 2002 Posted to Jakarta. 2003 Posted to Bandung. Retired.

st Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21 December 2010 Page - 17

“Local Personalities ”

Cliff and DianneWebb.

September 2010 was a memorable time for the Webb family.

Initially Dianne won tickets to an exhibition of WA colonial rarities held at the Lauder and Howard Showrooms , in East Fremantle. To cap off a great evening during the ensuing cocktail party, Dianne was announced the winner of an exquisite English Royal Worcester porcelain vase, valued at $1295.

Cliff a “totally absorbed - Collingwood Tragic ” won a raffle conducted by the Collingwood Football Club - Social Club, for the right to purchase a ticket to the 2010 AFL . Organising a flight to , plus accommodation, quickly followed. With the initial Grand Final being a drawn game between Collingwood and Saint Kilda, Cliff was to remain in Victoria for the intervening week.

He enjoyed a trip to Bendigo and spent time with Brett and Jana Van Leeuwin and Peter and Marg Biorac.

As we all know, Collingwood easily won the Grand Final .

Cliff with Collingwood Memorabilia and Dianne clutching her prize vase.

Employment wise, Cliff has spent the last two years working, in northern WA, as a sub contractor in earth works and road building. He has spent time in Derby, Cape Preston and is currently employed in Kambalda. A memorable task was the site works for the new Derby Regional Prison. Dianne works as a medical secretary for the North Metropolitan Health Service.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 18

Son Adrian Webb is a geosciences technician and materials consultant. He is employed in the analysis / testing of soil and materials for the construction Industry.

Daughter Melinda Webb - a UWA Graduate, has moved to Melbourne for employment opportunities and career advancement in the field of Event Management - the application of project management to the creation and development of festivals , events and conferences.

Gary and Zoe Ames.

Garry has recently returned from a long stint (6yrs) overseas in the Philippines (Ref: Westlink Issue 31 dated 12 Dec 2008, pages 16 – 20) and is now working for McConnell Dowell in Perth. He is currently completing a project at Cape Preston just south of Karratha. Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) has awarded McConnell Dowell the extension of their current berthing facilities located at Port Hedland commencing January 2011. Garry has been appointed Project Manager for the contract and will be relocating there with his lovely wife Zoe for the next 12months.

During the local WAFL Australian Rules Football Final Series, Garry and Zoe experienced a great thrill in seeing their eldest son Tallan Ames, play at fullback in the winning Grand Final side – with Swan Districts defeating Claremont by one point.

Although Tallan has played over 100 games for Swan Districts, it was the first Grand Final that he had played in. “Swans” have been in the Finals for the past 3 years and in the Grand Final for the past 2. Swans Districts have not won a Premiership Flag since 1990………twenty years on.

Tallan being presented a commemorative jumper for his 100 th game for Swan Districts Football Club by his proud parents Garry and Zoe Ames.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 19

Tallan Ames exhausted after Swans’ nail biting win clutching the Premiership Flag and Cup.

Tallan Ames (centre) celebrating with the Swan Districts’ Team after their victory over Claremont. Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 20

Brian Mead.

Mathew and Brian Mead, “at the shop”, circa November 2010.

My son Mathew became a part owner of the Applecross Pizza Shop in 2002. Mat has been in the Pizza business for 19 years, since leaving High School. His partner Larry Smith and Mat learned their “trade ” together at the local Kingsley Pizza Shop, before moving onto Nedlands and then acquiring the Applecross premises. In the very competitive “fast food” Industry, they provide a “gourmet standard ” product to the local affluent populace - that extends for a distance of at least 10 km from Applecross.

My involvement “at the shop” started in June 2005, after retiring from full time work in December 2003. At this time WA was experiencing the “Mining Boom” and reliable, reputable staff was scarce. Over the years, I have acquired some “useful skills” in and around the business – dough making, food preparation etc and I really enjoy the interaction with our customers. My old yellow Volvo is well known, by our home delivery clientele.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 21

Our staff is made up of University Students – UWA and Curtin, plus others from TAFE. We would certainly qualify as a multi-cultural employer, with staff over the years coming from Australia, Africa, China, Europe, Japan, India, Singapore and Malaysia. I have seen many employees come and go, with the training and management of staff an ongoing issue. I have seen “the best and the worst” amongst the youth that we have employed - with a few hard lessons being learned along the way.

On a happy note to conclude 2010, Mat and his wife Danielle are expecting their first child in May 2011. Danielle has also worked with us for a few years and enjoyed her time as Shift Manager. I guess that she had little choice with the “funny hours” worked in the Industry. With the pending arrival of our third grandchild, it follows that my time is not quite up – maybe not for the next year or two !!!

“The Sunday Roster” Fabian (Malaysia), Brian (Australia), Tadashi (Japan) and Raj (India). Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 22

Fred Brown.

2010 for me has been an extremely interesting year of trips away, both overseas and interstate, combined with nine months of experiencing “why not to be the owner of a rental property” .

In April , I visited Nepal for a couple of weeks. I had no idea that the capital city, Kathmandu, other cities, and national parks were so interesting, diverse and rich in history. The Himalayas are a stand-alone attraction. A flight around the summits of 8 of the 10 highest peaks on the planet is nothing short of mind-blowing.

Snow Blowing Off Mount Everest.

Nepal’s amazing national parks have tigers, rhinos, bears, monkeys, elephants, crocodiles and butterflies, all of which can be searched for either on foot or elephant back. When on walking tours, one is allowed nothing more than a stick for protection. This also includes the guides. The wildlife is deemed more important than tourists.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 23

Prior to starting the tour, a detailed briefing is given on action to be taken by the group to react to either a bear, rhino or tiger sighting, as an attack from any of these animals is totally different. During the walk, I kept an eagle eye out for not only any of these beasts, but for the nearest scalable tree. Thankfully no tree was required. Never before have I gone looking for something hoping not to find it! A father of two teenage girls on the walk said it was the quietest that they had ever been. Later, from the elephant’s back, I saw a couple of rhinos that quickly disappeared into the jungle.

***************************************************************************

In August/September , I went back to the UK and Europe, and for those I have not told, the ‘Victory Services Club’ in Marble Arch, London is a great place to stay for any currently or former serving members of the ‘Realm’ (that’s us). Located on the edge of Hyde Park is great place to be based; within walking distance to most central attractions and the ‘tube’ just around the corner. The tariffs are less than half of other places. If interested, contact me or Google ‘Victory Services Club’ .

Whilst in Europe, I was again lucky enough to be hosted by US Brigadier General Bob Glacel who is now based in Brussels with HQ NATO. Bob was my boss in East Timor. Bob took me to the new Military Cemetery in Fromelles, France, where around 300 mainly Australian and some British soldiers have been relocated and given their own ceremonial funeral and grave.

The new Fromelles Cemetery Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 24

These soldiers were discovered in 2008 in a mass grave in Pheasant Wood about 300m away. It was quite a pensive visit, inspecting graves of soldiers, some as young as 16. A touching aspect to the layout of the graves; where possible each soldier was buried next to the soldier he has laid beside in the mass grave for the past 94 years.

These soldiers were killed in the Battle of Fromelles, in July 1916, when 5533 Australians were killed in only 27 hours as the result of a totally botched attack. This number of casualties represents nearly 10% of all Australians killed in the 4 years 3 months of the Great War. The 19 th July 1916 was the most horrendous and saddest day in Australia’s military history. Read about it!

Bob also took me to the Villers- Bretonneux Military Cemetery, where there are graves of over 2000 mainly Australian soldiers.

On the Wall of Remembrance are inscribed the names of around 10700 Australian Servicemen, killed in the Great War, who have no known grave. This was of great significance to me as my father’s oldest brother Richard was killed near the Somme in March 1918.

Fred pointing to his Uncle’s name on the Wall of Remembrance.

I located his name and spent a few minutes considering what he and his mates went through. It was a very poignant few minutes, as I have read about actions he was in with the 44 th Battalion, and even the event that lead to him being machine gunned and his body not being able to be retrieved.

Richard Brown left Australia with the initial deployment of the 44 th Battalion AIF, The Westralian Rifles in November 1916 bound for England for training, then France and the Western Front. He was shot in the left shoulder in June 1917 and returned to England for four months to recover. Then he was returned to France, only be hospitalised for weeks with Trench Fever, then back to action and killed a few months later, at 21 years old.

There are some good books written about the 44 th Battalion (Westralian Rifles).

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 25

Commemorative Plaque - PNG

Compiled by Brian Mead.

BACKGROUND.

On Tuesday, 28 th October, 2008 our Association received a copy of the following email written by Bob Skitch, Member of the Queensland RA Svy Corps Association. The email provided details for a proposed Commemorative Plaque be placed in PNG - marking the contribution of Survey Corps Units during WW2. Aspects covered included the historical background, administrative correspondence and estimated financial costings.

Bob Skitch stated:

The Queensland Association has for some time worked on an initiative to have a plaque placed in an appropriate location in PNG commemorating the service of Survey Corps units that served in that country during WW2. The initiative developed from contact I had with Mr Brian Murray who served with the original New Guinea Survey Section raised in February 1942 from local surveyors and engineers within the old Territory of Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea and then reinforced from Australian Survey units. Brian served in the latter capacity. In early ’43 the unit was taken on the order of battle as 2 Field Survey Section and later re-designated as 8 Field Survey Section although the old blokes still like to think of it as the New Guinea Survey Section. You are probably aware that Lt/Capt Gerry Owers of Owers’ Corner fame was of that unit.

The major stumbling block in having this happen has been getting permission from the PNG Government to place the plaque. My initial contact was with the Association of Surveyors, PNG Inc, in particular Mr Mike Larmer and Mr Masang Bangindo of the survey firm AL Surveys (formerly Arman and Larmer). Mike was well known to many RA Survey personnel who served in PNG post WW2. Both are very supportive of the initiative. Also I have had contact and advice from Mr John Mudge and others who are familiar with the PNG scene and the way things happen in that country. I started letter writing to the PNG Government about three years ago in an effort to gain the requisite permission but without any success.

(Letters to Sir Peter Barter MP who chaired the PNG Events Council (twice) and to the Honorable Paul Nerau, PNG Consul). I simply could not get a response.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 26

Finally it was suggested that I write to the City Manager National Capital District Commission (Parks and Gardens) (NCDC). I did so in April and finally an affirmative response was sent to Mr Masang Bangindo as secretary of the Association of Surveyors of PNG Inc conditional on receiving a supportive letter from the Port Moresby Branch of the RSL. I had had contact with the President of the RSL, Mr Joe Filippi and had received his assurance of support. I have now requested him to write to the Acting Manager of the NCDC confirming the support of the RSL. He has agreed to do so. The recommended location for the plaque is likely to be the Koki Memorial Park. I have been sent a photo of the park and it would appear to be suitable.

It seems that we are close to getting permission to go ahead with the project and I feel confident that it will com to pass but of course, I have been advised many times over that things move slowly in PNG. One has to be very conscious of national mores.

Recommended Plaque Location - Koki Memorial Park, Port Moresby.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 27

The Queensland Association sees this project, although the initiative of this Association, very much a National Project. While the Queensland Association is prepared to make a substantial contribution towards the project we believe that the cost should be shared by other States. In this way we can all claim ownership. Already the NSW Association has raised a very credible amount, mainly from their WW2 veterans who are keen to see it happen. The Ex Fortuna Association has been approached and we believe they will respond positively.

We estimate that the total cost will be in the vicinity (probably more than) $2,000.00 of which the actual production of the plaque at a Brisbane foundry will be about $700. We have had three commemorative plaques made at that foundry in the recent past. We plan the PNG plaque to measure 500mm square with wording similar to the recent AWM plaque (also adopted by the NSW Association for their Victoria Barracks plaque). As a result of providing occasional progress reports in the Queensland Association Bulletin I have had informal advice of support from both of your Associations, WA and SA.

I would like to suggest to you that a contribution of $250.00 each would be a great help and a good measure of your support for this worthwhile initiative. Should you feel that you could make a greater contribution then of course we would be delighted. It is difficult to estimate what costs might be within PNG and in this regard we would be very much in the hands of the Port Moresby RSL.

I ask that your Committee give this request its earnest consideration and advise the Queensland Association of your decision.

Yours in RA Survey….Bob

CURRENT STATUS.

After circulating the “Bob Skitch” background email to our WA Members, a positive feedback was received with regard to the WA Association's Donation towards the PNG Plaque.

On the 31 st October 2008, the QLD Association was advised:

• $250 will be donated from our WA Association Account. • So far a further $100 has been promised - as private donations from our WA Members. (John Willis, Brian Mead @ $50 each)

All that remains is for your advice, on an appropriate time for the funds to be passed onto your QLD Association. (WA Association Cheque for $350 - posted on Tues 31st August 2010, to QLD Association.)

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 28

As noted by Ross Smithwick, Treasurer QLD Association.

“Thanks for the contribution from the West - $350. Our Receipt Number 4877199, dated 6 th September 2010”.

This is what has been contributed:

$500 RA Svy Association (NSW) $500 Ex-Fortuna Association(VIC) $350 RA Svy Association (WA) $280 Svy Ex-Servicemens' Assn (SA)

Total $1,630” PNG Commemorative Plaque.

The QLD Association has put aside $1000 for assistance in dedication ceremony representation costs and will cover all remaining costs. The unknown for us is the cost of getting the plinth in place.

******************************************************************************************

From Bob Skitch: Thursday, 21 st October 2010

So near yet so far !!

There is always another hoop to jump through and the SNAFU principal applies. Perhaps this is especially true in PNG. I am advised that our plaque is certainly in PNG with the courier post service but it can only be picked up by the person to whom it is sent. That person is Masang Bangindo of A.L. Surveys (and also the President of the PNG Surveyors Association) who is presently on a major pipeline project out in the jungle somewhere. Masang is a great bloke and has been very supportive.

The next problem is the survey plan of where the plaque will be located within the Koki Remembrance Park. The survey has been done but just where the plan is a mystery. Although verbal approval has been received from the NCDC the plan has to be sighted and stamped. Joe Filippi is the RSL President and he is very supportive also. Joe has been given the running on the project by the NCPD – he is the ‘construction authority’.

I phoned Joe this morning and we discussed the problem and finally decided to forget the target date of 11 November and claim a little more breathing space and target instead the 22 nd July 2011 which is Remembrance Day Papua New Guinea.

Soooo...all systems are set for GO on that date. Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 29

Balcombe Unit Memorials.

by Colonel Don Swiney MBE (Retd).

Patron: EX- FORTUNA SURVEY ASSOCIATION INC

Entrance to Balcombe, from the other side of the Nepean Highway. (The gates and wing walls were constructed by Apprentice tradesmen - dedicated to the WW2 1st Marine Division)

On 29 th April 2010 , I attended a meeting at the Memorial gates at Mace Oval at the entrance to the old Balcombe Camp. The intent of the meeting was to agree on the format and placement of four plaques commemorating the existence of the Army Apprentices School, the School of Signals, the School of Music and the School of Military Survey. The plan was to fix the plaques to brick wing walls each side of the memorial gates . Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 30

The meeting was attended by:

1. Four representatives from the Army Apprentices Association, 2. A representative from the RA Signals Association, 3. A representative from the Army Band Corps (The present CO of the Defence School of Music) 4. A representative from the combined RA Svy Associations (myself) 5. Initially two representatives from the Mornington Historical Society. (One left when she saw the other one was there and declared that she wouldn’t stay while she was there). 6. A Councillor from the Mornington Shire (and whose ward Balcombe was in). 7. Two members of staff from the Mornington Shire.

The meeting was chaired by Frank Poole from the Army Apprentices Association. Matters that arose from the meeting and were agreed to were:

• The plaques in what ever form would not be fixed to the wall. The Historical Society and backed by the Mornington Shire declared that the wall and the gates were a heritage site and not to be interfered with. (the fact that the wall was built by Army Apprentices sometime after the gates were installed by 1 US Marine Div was disregarded)

• The councillor proposed that she would organize a Rotary Club to fund and build a ‘rotunda’ inside the gates and the plaques could be affixed, adjacent to or whatever to the rotunda,

• She further proposed that the area be developed into a historical interpretive area with the various organizations which were ever at Balcombe contributing to interpretive boards distributed around the vicinity. (the attached research paper would indicate that there was one big heap of them) .

• The four organizations represented made the point that although some of the other tenants were significant our organizations were there longest (twenty to thirty years for the most part) and we should have precedence.

• That the Mornington Shire refurbish the plaques presently on the pillars supporting the gates, one commemorating the 1 US Marine Div occupation and the other commemorating the Australian Army WW2 occupation. It seems both plaques are clones of the originals and the originals had been prised off the pillars by vandals and subsequently found in the bush. They are now mounted at Mt Martha House. Mornington Shire agreed to at least add frames to the ones that are there if to return the originals.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 31

• Mornington Shire proposed that if the site is to be turned into an interpretive area, that the plaques mounted down at Citation Oval commemorating the award of the Presidential Citation to 1 US Marine Div be moved up to this site. The ex military members of the meeting pointed out that the 1 US Div Association are unlikely to agree to that but the chairman who is in contact with that association did agree to check with them.

• We have not agreed to meet again but we have agreed to stay in contact. There might be a change in plan when Frank reports to General Gillespie.

MY TAKE ON THE MEETING

By way of background: Mace oval now is not as you might remember it. In my time it was a parade ground but now it is a well turfed and maintained oval and used largely for athletics. The council has added a toilet and a car park accessable from the Nepean Highway. The area around the oval on the side of the gates is grassed and well treed. The oval is used by school children from the nearby school (located up where Fairburns paddock was) and in fact was being used on the day we were there.

I came away from the meeting feeling that it was a good result. Plaques on the wall were never going to be good idea as the Nepean Highway was only about 10m away and the highway is the main route to the lower part of the peninsula. I believe that with luck and a bit of perseverance we could end up with a nice picnic area already with a car park and toilets with an interesting historical interpretive area and a good place for a reunion or to take your family. I got the clear impression that the councillor was keen on the whole idea and was the sort of lady that got things done.

***************************************************************************

Another meeting was held at the Mornington Shire Offices on the 25 th October 2010, to further the proposal to have some of memorial to the various units that were once located at Balcombe.

The meeting was attended by two members of the Ex-Apprentices Association, the RA Sigs Association, The AABC Association and a single representative from the combined RA Svy Associations together with two members of the staff of the Shire of Mornington and a member of the Mornington Peninsula History Association. st Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21 December 2010 Page - 32

Site for Boards Another site on the edge of the car park. Thought was that the boards would be installed in an arc following the line of the curb. Not good but probably the best compromise.

Alternative Site. This photo taken from the edge of the oval looking North with the gates on the right. A good site for the boards except that there is a long jump pit on the left that would have to be relocated and would incur a considerable cost to the Shire and may upset the locals. Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 33

The following matters were discussed.

• The Shire, supported by the History Association, is in favour of a series of interpretive panels - each representing the unit organizations that wish to be involved. That certainly includes the School of Military Survey, The Army Apprentices School, The School of Signals and the School of Music. There could well be more, as various organizations become aware of their association with Balcombe Camp and may well want to contribute.

• The interpretive boards measure about 1m across and 2m high. On the board will be material of our choice reproduced in that ’sepia’ form on metal that is widely used. We can anticipate that the boards will have to conform to the Mornington Shire “standard” and that what ever we produce will have to be similar to other schools.

• I have attached a photo of an existing board that are common around the peninsula that we could well use as a pattern. The content will able to be both text and photos or diagrams. (I am hoping that we can get hold of some old photos, maybe a background of the old Mt Martha Special and the trig diagram of the Dromana Valley.) The Shire has access to and use a contractor to produce all their boards and they are fairly resistant to interference !!

• Concern was raised about the longevity of such boards and how susceptible they may be to vandalism and some representatives had a preference to bronze plaques as the original proposal. A plaque had been placed on a plinth commemorating the last graduation parade of the Army Apprentices School. It had been ripped off and damaged but (to their credit) the plaque was recovered, repaired and replaced by the Mornington Shire. There was a view that we have both the plaques and the interpretive boards.

The matter of cost was raised. It seems:

The Interpretive Panel will cost about $2000 to $3000 plus installation costs. The bronze plaque will cost about $1200 plus an increased installation cost. (We would need some sort of plinth.) It was agreed that the Mornington Shire would produce a plan for the development of the site to include the boards (and maybe the plaques). The representatives are to canvass the various organizations to ensure that funds would become available.

Another meeting will be organized.

Issue No 35 WESTLINK 21st December 2010 Page - 34

Large Sign: Example Photo provided by Mornington Shire gives an indication of the level of detail that may appear on such a sign.